Weather here in SoCal has been crazy...rain/snow/wind...but I know it won't be long til I hit the water!Anyway, I believe, the water alone is the main ingredient as a coolant(cooling system) for our engine. That's is why it's important to do some "flushing" to make sure there is no debris in there. No water=problem=overheat.

For me pre-storage is pretty much flushing, full tank of gas , add fuel stabilizer, keeping an eye on battery charge. And for the fun part, pre-season, battery check, replace spark plugs as needed, replace water separating fuel filter, I think i'm due to replace air compressor filter, check/add oil. Trailer-since mine does not have the brakes- grease trailer buddy, check tire pressures/ wiring connections, lights.